First Lady Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has commended wives of state governors for their advocacy against gender-based violence, saying the advocacy has reduced the fear of stigmatization among victims, enabling them to come out and report incidences affecting them.
She was speaking during the 2020 Annual First Lady’s Forum for Wives of Executive Governors, organized in collaboration with CTP International, on Wednesday, a statement by her media aide Aliyu Abdullahi said on Thursday.
“The massive increase in reporting rape cases across the country does not necessarily signify an increase in the spate of rape cases, rather, it indicates that the advocacy embarked upon by first ladies is working, for this, they should be commended” she said.
Mrs. Buhari was represented by Dr. Hajo Sani, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs and Administration.
Mrs. Buhari was optimistic that the rich presentations will add value to the advocacy and humanitarian work of the wives of the governors, saying it has provided them an opportunity to learn, share knowledge and experience as well as improve their operational skills and competencies for a successful and sustainable tenure.
She also commended the Institute for Leadership Development for inducting wives of governors and herself into the fellowship of the Institute (FILD) as well as receiving an “ICON OF LEADERSHIP” award, saying “this will inspire me to do more and I dedicate this award to the women and the vulnerable people of Nigeria wherever they may be.”
Speaking earlier, Mr. Kachi Okezie of CTP International said the event was the second in the series initiated by the First Lady in furtherance of her vision of forging and nurturing an inclusive relationship with the wives of all the state Governors. He said the participants will sharpen their soft and hard skills related to their important positions as opinion leaders and mothers of their respective states.
Speaking about the induction of wives of governors as fellows of the Institute of Leadership Development (FILD), Mr. Okezie said it was done in recognition of the good work they have been doing. He also presented a letter of award of “ICON OF LEADERSHIP” in favour of the First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari; the letter, which was signed by Dr. Anna Vanderpuye, Vice President of the Institute, noted that:
“In addition to drawing attention to the plight of the poor and using your charitable foundation, the Aisha Buhari Foundation and Future Assured Program, to bring about positive outcomes for the less privilege in the society, you have made some significant contribution to the social development of the Nigerian society, which the institute hereby recognizes”
The 2- day event was well attended by wives of governors virtually.
